Lesson Plan
Ask and Connect Lesson Plan
Students will learn to craft and differentiate between open-ended and closed-ended interview questions, practice respectful communication by interviewing peers, and extend those skills through at-home family engagement activities.
This lesson builds social-emotional skills, strengthens family–school partnerships, and empowers students to practice thoughtful questioning and active listening both in class and at home.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes (+ ongoing at-home engagement)
Approach
Modeling, guided practice, peer interviews, reflection, and at-home extensions
Materials
- Ask and Connect Slide Deck, - Question Brainstorm Template, - Sample Interview Questions List, - Family Interview Reflection Sheet, - Chart Paper and Markers, - Family Engagement Activity Cards, and - Family Engagement Log Sheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
7 minutes
- Print copies of Question Brainstorm Template, Family Interview Reflection Sheet, Family Engagement Activity Cards, and Family Engagement Log Sheet
- Review the Sample Interview Questions List and Ask and Connect Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with key points
- Prepare chart paper or whiteboard and markers to record sample questions during instruction
- Set up projector or smart board for slide presentation
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Display the title slide of the Ask and Connect Slide Deck and explain the session objective: craft respectful family interview questions and practice communication skills
- Ask students why it’s important to ask good questions and listen to family stories
- Introduce norms: respectful listening, open-ended questions, and turn-taking
Step 2
Modeling Questions & Discussion
8 minutes
- Show examples from the Sample Interview Questions List
- Explain differences between closed-ended and open-ended questions
- Model asking an open-ended question to a volunteer, demonstrating active listening and follow-up prompts
- Record one closed-ended and one open-ended question on chart paper
Step 3
Brainstorming Questions
7 minutes
- Distribute the Question Brainstorm Template to each student
- Instruct students to write at least three open-ended and two closed-ended questions to ask a family member
- Remind them to keep questions respectful and age-appropriate
- Circulate to support students and prompt deeper thinking
Step 4
Pair Interviews
5 minutes
- Pair students to take turns interviewing each other using their brainstormed questions
- One student asks while the other answers, then swap roles
- Encourage note-taking during the interview
- Have students use the Family Interview Reflection Sheet to jot down initial reflections
Step 5
Reflection & Share
5 minutes
- Reconvene as a whole group and invite volunteers to share one new thing they learned from their partner
- Discuss how well-crafted questions and attentive listening enhanced their understanding
- Collect the Question Brainstorm Template and Family Interview Reflection Sheet for teacher review
- Encourage students to conduct similar interviews with family members at home and bring back insights
Step 6
Extended Family Engagement Activities
Ongoing/Homework
- Send home Family Engagement Activity Cards for students to use with family members
- Provide a Family Engagement Log Sheet for students to record at least two family interviews or shared activities
- Encourage families to share photos or brief notes about their conversations to display in class
- Optionally, host a virtual family sharing night where students present a highlight from their at-home engagement
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Slide Deck
Ask and Connect
30-Minute 6th-Grade Tier 1 Lesson
Building Communication & Family Connections
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today they’ll learn how to ask respectful, engaging questions to learn more about their family members. Review the title and set expectations for participation.
Session Objectives
By the end of today, you will:
- Craft respectful interview questions for family members
- Differentiate between closed-ended and open-ended questions
- Practice interviewing a peer using your questions
- Reflect on what you learn from asking and listening
Read through each objective aloud. Emphasize that good questions help build understanding and stronger relationships.
Interviewing Norms
- Respectful Listening: Give full attention to the speaker
- Open Body Language: Face the speaker and make eye contact
- Turn-Taking: Allow each person time to ask and answer
- Follow-Up: Ask clarifying or deeper questions politely
Introduce classroom norms for this activity. Explain why each norm is important when interviewing peers and family.
Closed-Ended vs. Open-Ended Questions
Closed-Ended Questions
- Can be answered with “yes/no” or a short fact
- Examples: “Do you have siblings?” “Is pizza your favorite food?”
Open-Ended Questions
- Invite longer answers and stories
- Examples: “What is your favorite family tradition and why?” “How do you and your siblings spend a weekend together?”
Define both question types and show examples. Highlight how open-ended questions encourage storytelling and details.
Modeling the Interview
- Ask a volunteer:
- Closed-Ended: “Do you have a favorite family holiday?”
- Open-Ended: “Can you tell me about a family tradition that means a lot to you?”
- Listen actively and take notes
- Ask one follow-up question based on their answer
Model an interview with a volunteer. Choose one closed-ended and one open-ended question. Demonstrate active listening, eye contact, and a follow-up question.
Brainstorm Your Questions
Using your template:
- Write at least 2 closed-ended questions
- Write at least 3 open-ended questions
- Keep questions respectful and appropriate for family members
Distribute the Question Brainstorm Template. Remind students to write clear, respectful questions. Circulate and support as needed.
Pair Interviews
- Pair up with a classmate
- Take turns asking your brainstormed questions
- One interviewer, one interviewee, then switch roles
- Use the reflection sheet to record initial thoughts
Explain the pair interview process. Monitor pairs, remind them to switch roles halfway and use the Family Interview Reflection Sheet to jot quick notes.
Reflection & Next Steps
- Share one insight you gained today
- Discuss how good questions helped you learn more
- Turn in your templates for review
- Homework: Interview a family member and bring back one new story
Invite volunteers to share one new thing they learned. Collect the brainstorm and reflection sheets. Encourage students to conduct a similar interview at home with a family member.
Worksheet
Question Brainstorm Template
Use this template to write questions for your family interview. Remember:
- Closed-ended questions can be answered with “yes/no” or a short fact.
- Open-ended questions invite longer answers and stories.
- Keep questions respectful and age-appropriate.
Refer to Sample Interview Questions List for ideas.
A. Closed-Ended Questions (Answerable with “yes/no” or short facts)
- _______________________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________________
B. Open-Ended Questions (Invite stories and detailed answers)
- _______________________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________________
C. Reflection
Which question are you most excited to ask? Why?
Check your questions:
- Are they respectful? _____
- Are they clear? _____
- Will they help you learn something new? _____
Reading
Sample Interview Questions List
Use these sample questions to spark ideas for your own family interviews. Good questions help you learn new stories and understand the people in your life.
Closed-Ended Questions
These questions can be answered with “yes/no” or a short fact. They’re useful for gathering basic details.
- Do you have siblings?
- Did you grow up in the same town where you live now?
- Have you ever traveled outside the country?
- Is your favorite food pizza?
- Do you have a pet?
Open-Ended Questions
These questions invite longer answers, stories, and rich details.
- What is your favorite family tradition, and why is it special to you?
- Can you describe a holiday memory that always makes you smile?
- How did you and your friends spend your weekends when you were in sixth grade?
- Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
- What is one story about your childhood that you’ve never told before?
Tips for Crafting Your Own Questions
- Mix closed-ended and open-ended questions to learn facts and stories.
- Ask one question at a time and listen carefully.
- Use follow-up prompts like “Tell me more about that” or “Why did you feel that way?”
- Keep questions respectful and age-appropriate.
Refer back to the Question Brainstorm Template to write and organize your questions before the interview.
Worksheet
Family Interview Reflection Sheet
Name: ________________________________ Date: ________________
Interviewee Name: ______________________ Relationship: _______________
1. Closed-Ended Question & Answer
Question: ____________________________________________________________
Answer: _______________________________________________________________
2. Open-Ended Question & Summary
Question: __________________________________________________________
Your Summary of the Answer:
___________________________________________________________
3. New Thing I Learned
What is one new thing you discovered about this person? Why was it surprising or interesting?
4. Most Helpful Question
Which question helped you learn the most and why?
5. Listening Reflection
How did you feel while asking questions and listening carefully?
6. Follow-Up Question
What follow-up question would you ask next time to learn even more?
Worksheet
Family Engagement Activity Cards
Choose at least two of the following activities to complete at home with a family member. After you finish each activity, record the date and a short reflection in your Family Engagement Log Sheet. Have fun connecting and learning more about your family!
Card 1: Family Recipe Discovery
• With a family member, pick one favorite family recipe. Ask about its origins and why it’s special.
• Help prepare the dish together and take notes on any stories shared.
Date Completed: ________________
Notes:
Card 2: Photo Story Interview
• Find an old family photo or album. Ask your family member to tell the story behind the picture.
• Record key details: who is in the photo, where it was taken, and what happened that day.
Date Completed: ________________
Notes:
Card 3: Family Timeline
• Create a simple timeline of major events in your family’s history (e.g., moves, birthdays, traditions).
• Interview your family member about at least three events and add brief descriptions.
Date Completed: ________________
Your Timeline Sketch:
Card 4: Holiday Memory Share
• Ask your family member about their favorite holiday memory.
• Take turns sharing traditions you both enjoy and discuss any differences.
Date Completed: ________________
Memory Highlights:
Card 5: Cross-Generation Interview
• Interview a family member who is at least two generations older than you (e.g., grandparent, aunt/uncle).
• Ask two closed-ended and two open-ended questions, then summarize their answers.
Date Completed: ________________
Your Questions & Summary:
Card 6: Cultural Tradition Exploration
• Learn about a cultural or heritage tradition from your family.
• Ask why this tradition started and how it is celebrated today.
Date Completed: ________________
Tradition Details:
Card 7: Family Favorites Collage
• Create a small collage (drawing, magazine cut‐outs, or digital) of your family’s favorite things (foods, places, activities).
• As you build it, ask family members to explain each favorite choice.
Date Completed: ________________
Collage Reflection:
Card 8: “Then & Now” Comparison
• Ask your family member to describe how life was when they were your age compared to today.
• Note at least three similarities and differences.
Date Completed: ________________
Notes:
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Worksheet
Family Engagement Log Sheet
Use this log sheet to record details for each activity you complete at home. Aim to complete at least two activities from the Family Engagement Activity Cards.
Name: ________________________________ Date Started: ________________
Activity 1
Card # and Title: ________________________________________________
Date Completed: ____________________
What We Did & Learned:
Activity 2
Card # and Title: ________________________________________________
Date Completed: ____________________
What We Did & Learned:
(Optional) Activity 3
Card # and Title: ________________________________________________
Date Completed: ____________________
What We Did & Learned:
(Optional) Activity 4
Card # and Title: ________________________________________________
Date Completed: ____________________
What We Did & Learned: